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The City Auditor Mary Hull Caballero is hosting two meetings in December to discuss Charter amendments she believes are necessary to protect the Auditor’s ability to hold City government accountable through independent audits and investigations. Your views will help shape the final proposal from the Auditor that City Council will consider in January.

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Overlook Sewer Project Construction Update: April 24, 2014

Overlook Sewer Project Construction Update: April 24, 2014

Environmental Services is replacing or repairing about 17,000 feet of public sewer pipes in the Overlook neighborhood that are between 60 and 90 years old and in poor condition. The city installed many of these sewers before 1920. The project includes constructing about 9,100 feet of 6-inch sewer branch pipes that will connect homes and businesses to the new public sewer pipes. Replacing and repairing these sewers will protect the public and the environment by reducing the possibility of costly breaks, leaks, blockages and sewage releases to homes, businesses and streets.

Eastbound traffic on N Killingsworth Street is now closed between N Greeley and N Boston Avenues for final paving. Local through access will be provided for one westbound traffic lane only.

The traffic controls are in effect all hours and all days with flaggers controlling local traffic as needed. Weather permitting, we expect to complete paving in this area by Saturday, April 26. Please expect delays and use alternate routes when possible.

On-street parking will not be available near the work zone. Business patrons and residents who normally park on Killingsworth (Greeley to Boston) must park along side streets during this process.

Drivers and bike riders using Killingsworth should observe traffic control signs, and avoid work zones where possible.

Wygant Street (Gay to west end)

The aging concrete in combination with challenging soils have made the roadway on Wygant Street particularly susceptible to construction damage.

To address this issue, the construction team and the Bureau of Transportation developed and approved a plan that will resurface the entire length and width of Wygant Street (west of Gay) with asphalt.

While our original intent was to restore disturbed areas of Wygant with concrete, given the condition of the roadway, an asphalt restoration approach is the most fiscally responsible use of sewer ratepayer dollars.

Please remember that businesses within construction zones are OPEN. If you are traveling to a business within the construction zone, you may see orange signs reading ROAD CLOSED to Thru Traffic – Local Access Only. The signs are intended to reduce overall traffic going through the area while construction is underway, but everyone living in or conducting business within the construction zone will be allowed access.

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

Below is the estimated Overlook sewer construction schedule for the rest of this week and the next three weeks. Construction will move from one site to another as work on each segment is completed. Please be aware that this schedule is subject to change due to a variety of factors, including conditions underground, weather, traffic impacts, subcontractor schedules and availability of materials.

Traffic control signs are in place. The contractor maintains local access, but you should expect delays.

On-street parking in or near the work area is prohibited during construction hours. Please plan to move your vehicle by 7:00 a.m.

Equipment and materials may be stored on nearby streets overnight.

There may be periods of inactivity between construction phases.

A city inspector is on-site during work hours and may be able to assist you with construction concerns. Inspectors typically wear a safety vest and hard hat.

Please stay clear of all construction activities. Please keep your children from harm and instruct them to stay clear of all construction activities. We also appreciate your keeping pets and vehicles out of the construction areas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Go to www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/OverlookProject. To receive email updates for this project, send an email to Matt Gough at Matthew.Gough@portlandoregon.gov with “Overlook” in the subject line.

Thank you for your cooperation during this project. Please let us know if you have concerns such as business operations, disability issues or medical or business deliveries. As always, we’ll strive to provide quick response to your concerns, minimal disruption of your residence or commercial business, and open and honest communication with you throughout the project.

Over one-third of Portland’s 2,500 miles of sewer pipes are more than 80 years old. Projects to replace or repair aging sewers are important for protecting water quality, public health and the environment. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes.